Evaluation of Sensory Quality and Phytochemical Content of Five Indigenous Fruit Juices Consumed in Ebonyi State, South East Nigeria

Indigenous tropical fruits are rich sources of phytochemicals with documented health-promoting properties. In Ebonyi State, South East Nigeria, several locally cultivated fruit species serve as important seasonal food sources, yet their nutritional and phytochemical profiles are underexplored. This study evaluated the sensory quality and phytochemical content of freshly extracted juices from five indigenous fruit species widely consumed in Ebonyi State: Irvingia gabonensis (bush mango), Chrysophyllum albidum (white star apple), Spondias mombin (hog plum), Dacryodes edulis (African pear), and Annona muricata (soursop). Fresh fruits were harvested from local orchards in Abakaliki and immediately processed into juice. Phytochemical screening, total phenolic and flavonoid content, vitamin C, and antioxidant activity were determined. Sensory evaluation was conducted with sixty panellists using a structured hedonic scale. Results showed Chrysophyllum albidum juice had the highest total phenolic content (248 mg GAE per 100ml) and vitamin C content (34.6 mg per 100ml). Annona muricata demonstrated the greatest antioxidant activity. Irvingia gabonensis juice was rated lowest for sweetness but highest for astringency. Overall sensory acceptability was highest for Chrysophyllum albidum and Annona muricata juices. The study provides baseline phytochemical data to support functional beverage development from South East Nigerian indigenous fruits. Keywords: indigenous fruits, phytochemicals, juice, antioxidant, Ebonyi.